Patents by Inventor Robert John Koenen
Robert John Koenen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11820218Abstract: A scalable power unit for powering one or more electric motors of a riding vehicle and/or a piece of outdoor power equipment includes a number of interconnected battery packs. The battery pack are received in a battery tray or stacked to form the scalable power unit. Each battery pack is configured to be removed and used separately or added to a combination of battery packs. A control unit selectively opens and closes switching elements to separately control the connections between the battery packs and an electrical load, such as a motor. During charging, the control unit opens and closes switching elements to control the charging rate of the individual battery packs. When the battery packs are connected to an electrical load, the control unit controls the state of the switching elements to selectively discharge the battery packs to power the riding vehicle and/or electric loads.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Robert John Koenen, Jacob Schmalz, Albert Liu, Nick Zeidler, Scott Funke, David Procknow
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Publication number: 20230234432Abstract: A riding lawn mower comprising, a pair of rear drive wheels, a pair of front wheels, a deck positioned between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear drive wheels, a rotatable cutting blade, and multiple battery packs removably coupled to the riding lawn mower and structured to provide power to the riding lawn mower, each battery pack graspable and removable by a user, wherein the multiple battery packs sequentially provide power to the riding lawn mower.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Robert John Koenen, Jacob Schmalz, Albert Liu, Nick Zeidler, Scott Funke, David Procknow
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Patent number: 11642952Abstract: A riding lawn mower comprising, a pair of rear drive wheels, a pair of front wheels, a deck positioned between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear drive wheels, a rotatable cutting blade, and multiple battery packs removably coupled to the riding lawn mower and structured to provide power to the riding lawn mower, each battery pack graspable and removable by a user, wherein the multiple battery packs jointly provide power to the riding lawn mower.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Robert John Koenen, Jacob Schmalz, Albert Liu, Nick Zeidler, Scott Funke, David Procknow
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Patent number: 11519376Abstract: An operating system for a standby generator includes a control unit, a switch, an inverter, a terminal, a current sensor, a starter circuit, a power control circuit, and an ignition kill circuit. The control unit is powered by a rechargeable twelve volt DC battery. The switch is selectively operable by the control unit to connect one of a first input or a second input to an output. The second input receives the supply of electrical power from an internal combustion engine. The inverter is positioned between the DC battery and the first input, and supplies electrical power to the electrical device when a movable contact of the switch connects the output to the first input. The power control circuit is connected to the control unit and is operable to adjust the movable contact of the switch to selectively connect the output to either the first input or the second input.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLCInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
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Publication number: 20210363926Abstract: An operating system for a standby generator includes a control unit, a switch, an inverter, a terminal, a current sensor, a starter circuit, a power control circuit, and an ignition kill circuit. The control unit is powered by a rechargeable twelve volt DC battery. The switch is selectively operable by the control unit to connect one of a first input or a second input to an output. The second input receives the supply of electrical power from an internal combustion engine. The inverter is positioned between the DC battery and the first input, and supplies electrical power to the electrical device when a movable contact of the switch connects the output to the first input. The power control circuit is connected to the control unit and is operable to adjust the movable contact of the switch to selectively connect the output to either the first input or the second input.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLCInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
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Publication number: 20210354541Abstract: A riding lawn mower comprising, a pair of rear drive wheels, a pair of front wheels, a deck positioned between the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear drive wheels, a rotatable cutting blade, and multiple battery packs removably coupled to the riding lawn mower and structured to provide power to the riding lawn mower, each battery pack graspable and removable by a user, wherein the multiple battery packs jointly provide power to the riding lawn mower.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON, LLCInventors: Jeffrey ZEILER, Robert John KOENEN, Jacob SCHMALZ, Albert LIU, Nick ZEIDLER, Scott FUNKE, David PROCKNOW
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Patent number: 11111896Abstract: A starter motor connected to a power supply and operable to start an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing and a solid state switching device associated with the outer housing. The outer housing encloses a commutator and a series of brushes. The solid state switching device is movable between an open position and a closed position. The current flow from the power supply through the commutator is prevented when the solid state switching device is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLCInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason Andrew Hansen
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Patent number: 11105279Abstract: An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLCInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
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Patent number: 10724492Abstract: A snowthrower includes an internal combustion engine and a starter battery pack that provides electrical power to operate an electric starter motor. The starter battery pack is received within a receptacle of the snowthrower and is selectively coupled to the starter motor to initiate operation of the internal combustion engine. The starter battery pack can further include a battery heating circuit that is operable to heat the starter battery pack above ambient temperatures to increase the current output of the starter battery pack. The battery heating circuit includes a controller that utilizes electrical power from the starter battery pack to heat the starter battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Robert John Koenen, Dale Van Patten, Jason Andrew Hansen
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Publication number: 20200116115Abstract: A starter motor connected to a power supply and operable to start an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing and a solid state switching device associated with the outer housing. The outer housing encloses a commutator and a series of brushes. The solid state switching device is movable between an open position and a closed position. The current flow from the power supply through the commutator is prevented when the solid state switching device is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATIONInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason Andrew Hansen
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Patent number: 10550819Abstract: A starter motor that includes an integrated solid state switching device. The solid state switching device is mounted within the outer housing of the starter motor such that the entire starter motor can be installed as a single unit. In one embodiment, the solid state switching device includes a MOSFET positioned on the low side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device opens and closes to control the flow of current through the starter motor. In another embodiment, the solid state switching device is positioned on the high side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device can include a speed sensing circuit to prevent operation of the starter motor when the internal combustion engine is operation, a crank limiting circuit that limits the amount of time the starter motor can operate without starting the internal combustion engine and/or a thermal limiting circuit to prevent operation during overheating of the starter motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason Andrew Hansen
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Publication number: 20200003134Abstract: An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2018Publication date: January 2, 2020Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
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Patent number: 10514014Abstract: A system and method for enhancing spark generation in an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine at low rotational speeds of the flywheel. The method and system monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel and, when the rotational speed of the flywheel is below a threshold rotational speed, the system and method supplies voltage pulses to the primary winding. The timing of the voltage pulses supplied to the primary winding are triggered off of voltage transitions in pulses induced in the primary winding upon rotation of the flywheel. Once the internal combustion engine has started, the switching device transitions into a second condition to disconnect the electrical storage device from the primary winding. The spark generation system of the present disclosure allows for starting of an internal combustion engine upon slower initial rotational speeds.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Andrew Paskov
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Patent number: 10393086Abstract: A system and method for enhancing spark generation in an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine at low rotational speeds of the flywheel. The method and system monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel and, when the rotational speed of the flywheel is below a threshold rotational speed, the system and method supplies voltage pulses to the primary winding. The timing of the voltage pulses supplied to the primary winding are triggered off of voltage transitions in pulses induced in the primary winding upon rotation of the flywheel. Once the internal combustion engine has started, the switching device transitions into a second condition to disconnect the electrical storage device from the primary winding. The spark generation system of the present disclosure allows for starting of an internal combustion engine upon slower rope pull starting or upon discharge of a starter battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Andrew Paskov
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Publication number: 20190178220Abstract: A snowthrower includes an internal combustion engine and a starter battery pack that provides electrical power to operate an electric starter motor. The starter battery pack is received within a receptacle of the snowthrower and is selectively coupled to the starter motor to initiate operation of the internal combustion engine. The starter battery pack can further include a battery heating circuit that is operable to heat the starter battery pack above ambient temperatures to increase the current output of the starter battery pack. The battery heating circuit includes a controller that utilizes electrical power from the starter battery pack to heat the starter battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Robert John Koenen, Dale Van Patten, Jason Andrew Hansen
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Publication number: 20190160972Abstract: A scalable power unit for powering one or more electric motors of a riding vehicle and/or a piece of outdoor power equipment. The scalable power unit includes a number of interconnected battery packs. The battery packs can be received in a battery tray or stacked to form the scalable power unit. Each battery pack can be removed and used separately or added to a combination of battery packs. A control unit selectively opens and closes switching elements to separately control the connections between the battery packs and an electrical load, such as a motor. During charging, the control unit opens and closes the switching elements to control the charging rate of the individual battery packs. When the battery packs are connected to an electric load, the control unit controls the state of the switching elements to selectively discharge the battery packs to power the riding vehicle and/or electric loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Robert John Koenen, Jacob Schmalz, Albert Liu, Nick Zeidler, Scott Funke, David Procknow
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Patent number: 10233889Abstract: A snowthrower includes an internal combustion engine and a starter battery pack that provides electrical power to operate an electric starter motor. The starter battery pack is received within a receptacle of the snowthrower and is selectively coupled to the starter motor to initiate operation of the internal combustion engine. The starter battery pack can further include a battery heating circuit that is operable to heat the starter battery pack above ambient temperatures to increase the current output of the starter battery pack. The battery heating circuit includes a controller that utilizes electrical power from the starter battery pack to heat the starter battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Zeiler, Robert John Koenen, Dale Van Patten, Jason Andrew Hansen
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Patent number: 10202957Abstract: A self-contained starting module for outdoor power equipment that has control circuit and a start button. The starting module includes internal control circuit that can be either microprocessor based or analog. The control circuit receives a start signal from a start button of the starting module. The control circuit monitors for the presence of an enable device and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device, provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the control circuit initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the control circuit activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the operation of the engine is terminated.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason Hansen, Andrew Paskov, Daniel Brueck, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20180313318Abstract: A system and method for enhancing spark generation in an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine at low rotational speeds of the flywheel. The method and system monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel and, when the rotational speed of the flywheel is below a threshold rotational speed, the system and method supplies voltage pulses to the primary winding. The timing of the voltage pulses supplied to the primary winding are triggered off of voltage transitions in pulses induced in the primary winding upon rotation of the flywheel. Once the internal combustion engine has started, the switching device transitions into a second condition to disconnect the electrical storage device from the primary winding. The spark generation system of the present disclosure allows for starting of an internal combustion engine upon slower initial rotational speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Andrew Paskov
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Publication number: 20180298864Abstract: A starter motor that includes an integrated solid state switching device. The solid state switching device is mounted within the outer housing of the starter motor such that the entire starter motor can be installed as a single unit. In one embodiment, the solid state switching device includes a MOSFET positioned on the low side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device opens and closes to control the flow of current through the starter motor. In another embodiment, the solid state switching device is positioned on the high side of the starter motor. The solid state switching device can include a speed sensing circuit to prevent operation of the starter motor when the internal combustion engine is operation, a crank limiting circuit that limits the amount of time the starter motor can operate without starting the internal combustion engine and/or a thermal limiting circuit to prevent operation during overheating of the starter motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert John KOENEN, Jason Andrew HANSEN